Thursday, April 19, 2018 10:40 am

Ghost in the machine: Indian motorcycles may self-start

Associated Press

DETROIT – There may be a ghost in the machine in about 3,300 Indian brand motorcycles. The engines can start by themselves because of a faulty switch.

The Minnesota company started a recall Thursday of 11 models from the 2018 model year.

Documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say corrosion in the switch can cause an electrical short. That can start the engine if the key fob is nearby. The agency says if the engine starts unintentionally and the bike is in an enclosed space, people could be exposed to carbon monoxide.

Documents show two reports of Indian motorcycles starting themselves, but no related injuries.